Treatment of solid tumors with rapamycin derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to the use of rapamycin derivatives for use in treating solid tumors, optionally in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/546,686 filed Jul. 11, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/468,520, filed Jan. 27, 2004, which is a 371 application of PCT/EP2002/01714, filed Feb. 18, 2002, which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a new use, in particular a new use for a compound group comprising rapamycin and derivatives thereof.

Rapamycin is a known macrolide antibiotic produced by Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Suitable derivatives of rapamycin include e.g. compounds of formula I

wherein R₁ is CH₃ or C₃₋₆alkynyl, R₂ is H or —CH₂—CH₂—OH, and X is ═O, (H,H) or (H,OH) provided that R₂ is other than H when X is ═O and R₁ is CH₃.

Compounds of formula I are disclosed e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,665,772; 6,440,990; 5,985,890; and 6,200,985, which are incorporated herein by reference. They may be prepared as disclosed or by analogy to the procedures described in these references

Preferred compounds are 32-deoxorapamycin, 16-pent-2-ynyloxy-32-deoxorapambycin, 16-pent-2-ynyloxy-32(S)-dihydro-rapamycin, 16-pent-2-ynyloxy-32(S)-dihydro-40-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-rapamycin and, more preferably, 40-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-rapamycin (referred thereafter as Compound A), disclosed as Example 8 in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,665,772 and 6,440,990.

Compounds of formula I have, on the basis of observed activity, e.g. binding to macrophilin-12 (also known as FK-506 binding protein or FKBP-12), e.g. as described in WO 94/09010, WO 95/16691 or WO 96/41807, been found to be useful e.g. as immunosuppressant, e.g. in the treatment of acute allograft rejection. It has now been found that Compounds of formula I have potent antiproliferative properties which make them useful for cancer chemotherapy, particularly of solid tumors, especially of advanced solid tumors. There is still the need to expand the armamentarium of cancer treatment of solid tumors, especially in cases where treatment with anticancer compounds is not associated with disease regression or stabilization.

In accordance with the particular findings of the present invention, there is provided:

-   1.1 A method for treating solid tumors in a subject in need thereof,     comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective     amount of a compound of formula I. -   1.2 A method for inhibiting growth of solid tumors in a subject in     need thereof, comprising administering to said subject a     therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I. -   1.3 A method for inducing tumor regression, e.g. tumor mass     reduction, in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to     said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of     formula I. -   1.4 A method for treating solid tumor invasiveness or symptoms     associated with such tumor growth in a subject in need thereof,     comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective     amount of a compound of formula I. -   1.5 A method for preventing metastatic spread of tumours or for     preventing or inhibiting growth of micrometastasis in a subject in     need thereof, comprising administering to said subject a     therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I.

By “solid tumors” are meant tumors and/or metastasis (wherever located) other than lymphatic cancer, e.g. brain and other central nervous system tumors (eg. tumors of the meninges, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves and other parts of central nervous system, e.g. glioblastomas or medulla blastomas); head and/or neck cancer; breast tumors; circulatory system tumors (e.g. heart, mediastinum and pleura, and other intrathoracic organs, vascular tumors and tumor-associated vascular tissue); excretory system tumors (e.g. kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, other and unspecified urinary organs); gastrointestinal tract tumors (e.g. oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, colorectal, rectosigmoid junction, rectum, anus and anal canal), tumors involving the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts, gall bladder, other and unspecified parts of biliary tract, pancreas, other and digestive organs); head and neck; oral cavity (lip, tongue, gum, floor of mouth, palate, and other parts of mouth, parotid gland, and other parts of the salivary glands, tonsil, oropharynx, nasopharynx, pyriform sinus, hypopharynx, and other sites in the lip, oral cavity and pharynx); reproductive system tumors (e.g. vulva, vagina, Cervix uteri, Corpus uteri, uterus, ovary, and other sites associated with female genital organs, placenta, penis, prostate, testis, and other sites associated with male genital organs); respiratory tract tumors (e.g. nasal cavity and middle ear, accessory sinuses, larynx, trachea, bronchus and lung, e.g. small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer); skeletal system tumors (e.g. bone and articular cartilage of limbs, bone articular cartilage and other sites); skin tumors (e.g. malignant melanoma of the skin, non-melanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma of skin, squamous cell carcinoma of skin, mesothelioma, Kaposi's sarcoma); and tumors involving other tissues including peripheral nerves and autonomic nervous system, connective and soft tissue, retroperitoneum and peritoneum, eye and adnexa, thyroid, adrenal gland and other endocrine glands and related structures, secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes, secondary malignant neoplasm of respiratory and digestive systems and secondary malignant neoplasm of other sites.

Where hereinbefore and subsequently a tumor, a tumor disease, a carcinoma or a cancer is mentioned, also metastasis in the original organ or tissue and/or in any other location are implied alternatively or in addition, whatever the location of the tumor and/or metastasis is.

In a series of further specific or alternative embodiments, the present invention also provides

-   1.6 A method for the treatment of a disease associated with     deregulated angiogenesis in a subject in need thereof, comprising     administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of     rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a compound     of formula I. -   1.7 A method for inhibiting or controlling deregulated angiogenesis     in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said     subject a therapeutically effective amount of rapamycin or a     derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a compound of formula I. -   1.8 A method for enhancing the activity of a chemotherapeutic agent     or for overcoming resistance to a chemotherapeutic agent in a     subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject a     therapeutically effective amount of rapamycin or a derivative     thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a compound of formula I, either     concomitantly or sequentially with said chemotherapeutic agent. -   1.9 A method according to 1.8 wherein the chemotherapeutic agent is     an inhibitor of signal transduction pathways directed either against     host cells or processes involved in tumor formation and/or     metastases formation or utilised by tumour cells for proliferation,     survival, differentiation or development of drug resistance. -   1.10 A method as indicated above, wherein rapamycin or a derivative     thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a compound of formula I is     administered intermittently.

CCI779 is a rapamycin derivative, i.e. 40-[3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropa-noate]-rapamycin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and is disclosed e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,718. ABT578 is a 40-substituted rapamycin derivative further comprising a diene reduction.

Examples of diseases associated with deregulated angiogenesis include without limitation e.g. neoplastic diseases, e.g. solid tumors. Angiogenesis is regarded as a prerequisite for those tumors which grow beyond a certain diameter, e.g. about 1-2 mm.

In a series of further specific or alternative embodiments, the present invention also provides:

-   2.1 A compound of formula I for use in any method as defined under     1.1 to 1.5 above. -   2.2 Rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a     compound of formula I for use in any method as defined under 1.6 to     1.10 above or 7 below. -   3.1 A compound of formula I for use in the preparation of a     pharmaceutical composition for use in any method as defined under     1.1 to 1.5 above. -   3.2 Rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a     compound of formula I for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical     composition for use in any method as defined under 1.6 to 1.10 above     or 7 below. -   4.1 A pharmaceutical composition for use in any method as defined     under 1.1 to 1.5 above comprising a compound of formula I together     with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers     therefor. -   4.2 A pharmaceutical composition for use in any method as defined     under 1.6 to 1.10 above or 7 below comprising rapamycin or a     derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a compound of formula I,     e.g. Compound A, together with one or more pharmaceutically     acceptable diluents or carriers therefor. -   5.1 A pharmaceutical combination comprising a) a first agent which     is rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a     compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, and b) a co-agent which is a     chemotherapeutic agent, e.g. as defined hereinafter. -   5.2 A pharmaceutical combination comprising an amount of a) a first     agent which is rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779,     ABT578 or a compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, and b) a     co-agent which is a chemotherapeutic agent selected from the     compounds defined under paragraph (iv) or (v) below, to produce a     synergistic therapeutic effect. -   6. A method as defined above comprising co-administration, e.g.     concomitantly or in sequence, of a therapeutically effective amount     of rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a     compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, and a second drug substance,     said second drug substance being a chemotherapeutic agent, e.g. as     indicated hereinafter. -   7. A method for treating post-transplant lymphoproliferative     disorders or a lymphatic cancer, e.g. for treating tumor     invasiveness or symptoms associated with such tumor growth in a     subject in need thereof, comprising co-administering to said     subject, e.g. concomitantly or in sequence, of rapamycin or a     derivative thereof, e.g. CCI779, ABT578 or a compound of formula I,     e.g. Compound A, and a second drug substance, said second drug     substance being a chemotherapeutic agent, e.g. as indicated     hereinafter.

By “lymphatic cancer” are meant e.g. tumors of blood and lymphatic system (e.g. Hodgkin's disease, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, AIDS-related lymphomas, malignant immunoproliferative diseases, multiple myeloma and malignant plasma cell neoplasms, lymphoid leukemia, myeloid leukemia, acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, monocytic leukemia, other leukemias of specified cell type, leukemia of unspecified cell type, other and unspecified malignant neoplasms of lymphoid, haematopoietic and related tissues, for example diffuse large cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma).

By the term “chemotherapeutic agent” is meant especially any chemotherapeutic agent other than rapamycin or a derivative thereof. It includes but is not limited to,

-   i. an aromatase inhibitor, -   ii. an antiestrogen, an anti-androgen (especially in the case of     prostate cancer) or a gonadorelin agonist, -   iii. a topoisomerase I inhibitor or a topoisomerase II inhibitor, -   iv. a microtubule active agent, an alkylating agent, an     antineoplastic antimetabolite or a platin compound, -   v. a compound targeting/decreasing a protein or lipid kinase     activity or a protein or lipid phosphatase activity, a further     anti-angiogenic compound or a compound which induces cell     differentiation processes, -   vi. a bradykinin 1 receptor or an angiotensin II antagonist, -   vii. a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, a bisphosphonate, a histone     deacetylase inhibitor, a heparanase inhibitor (prevents heparan     sulphate degradation), e.g. PI-88, a biological response modifier,     preferably a lymphokine or interferons, e.g. interferon γ, an     ubiquitination inhibitor, or an inhibitor which blocks     anti-apoptotic pathways, -   viii. an inhibitor of Ras oncogenic isoforms, e.g. H-Ras, K-Ras or     N-Ras, or a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, e.g. L-744,832 or     DK8G557, -   ix. a telomerase inhibitor, e.g. telomestatin, -   x. a protease inhibitor, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, a     methionine aminopeptidase inhibitor, e.g. bengamide or a derivative     thereof, or a proteosome inhibitor, e.g. PS-341.

The term “aromatase inhibitor” as used herein relates to a compound which inhibits the estrogen production, i.e. the conversion of the substrates androstenedione and testosterone to estrone and estradiol, respectively. The term includes, but is not limited to steroids, especially atamestane, exemestane and formestane and, in particular, non-steroids, especially aminoglutethimide, roglethimide, pyridoglutethimide, trilostane, testolactone, ketokonazole, vorozole, fadrozole, anastrozole and letrozole. Exemestane can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark AROMASIN™. Formestane can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark LENTARON™. Fadrozole can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark AFEMA™. Anastrozole can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ARIMIDEX™. Letrozole can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark FEMARA™ or FEMAR™ Aminoglutethimide can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ORIMETEN™. A combination of the invention comprising a chemotherapeutic agent which is an aromatase inhibitor is particularly useful for the treatment of hormone receptor positive tumors, e.g. breast tumors.

The term “antiestrogen” as used herein relates to a compound which antagonizes the effect of estrogens at the estrogen receptor level. The term includes, but is not limited to tamoxifen, fulvestrant, raloxifene and raloxifene hydrochloride. Tamoxifen can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark NOLVADEX™. Raloxifene hydrochloride can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark EVISTA™. Fulvestrant can be formulated as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,516 or it can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark FASLODEX™. A combination of the invention comprising a chemotherapeutic agent which is an antiestrogen is particularly useful for the treatment of estrogen receptor positive tumors, e.g. breast tumors.

The term “anti-androgen” as used herein relates to any substance which is capable of inhibiting the biological effects of androgenic hormones and includes, but is not limited to, bicalutamide (CASODEX™), which can be formulated, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,505.

The term “gonadorelin agonist” as used herein includes, but is not limited to abarelix, goserelin and goserelin acetate. Goserelin is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,274 and can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ZOLADEX™. Abarelix can be formulated, eg. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,901.

The term “topoisomerase I inhibitor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to topotecan, irinotecan, 9-nitrocamptothecin and the macromolecular camptothecin conjugate PNU-166148 (compound A1 in WO99/17804). Irinotecan can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark CAMPTOSAR™. Topotecan can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark HYCAMTIN™.

The term “topoisomerase II inhibitor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to the anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (including liposomal formulation, e.g. CAELYX™), daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin and nemorubicin, the anthraquinones mitoxantrone and losoxantrone, and the podophillotoxines etoposide and teniposide. Etoposide can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ETOPOPHOS™. Teniposide can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark VM 26-BRISTOL™ Doxorubicin can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ADRIBLASTIN™. Epirubicin can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark FARMORUBICIN™. Idarubicin can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ZAVEDOS™. Mitoxantrone can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark NOVANTRON™.

The term “microtubule active agent” relates to microtubule stabilizing and microtubule destabilizing agents including, but not limited to taxanes, e.g. paclitaxel and docetaxel, vinca alkaloids, e.g., vinblastine, especially vinblastine sulfate, vincristine especially vincristine sulfate, and vinorelbine, discodermolides and epothilones and derivatives thereof, e.g. epothilone B or a derivative thereof. Paclitaxel may be administered e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. TAXOL™. Docetaxel can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark TAXOTERE™. Vinblastine sulfate can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark VINBLASTIN R.P™. Vincristine sulfate can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark FARMISTIN™. Discodermolide can be obtained, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,099.

The term “alkylating agent” as used herein includes, but is not limited to cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, melphalan or nitrosourea (BCNU or Gliadel™). Cyclophosphamide can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark CYCLOSTIN™. Ifosfamide can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark HOLOXAN™.

The term “antineoplastic antimetabolite” includes, but is not limited to 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, gemcitabine, methotrexate and edatrexate. Capecitabine can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark XELODA™. Gemcitabine can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark GEMZAR™.

The term “platin compound” as used herein includes, but is not limited to carboplatin, cisplatin and oxaliplatin. Carboplatin can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark CARBOPLAT™. Oxaliplatin can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ELOXATIN™.

The term “compounds targeting/decreasing a protein or lipid kinase activity or further anti-angiogenic compounds” as used herein includes, but is not limited to protein tyrosine kinase and/or serine and/or threonine kinase inhibitors or lipid kinase inhibitors, e.g. compounds targeting, decreasing or inhibiting the activity of the epidermal growth factor family of receptor tyrosine kinases (EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4 as homo- or heterodimers), the vascular endothelial growth factor family of receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR), the platelet-derived growth factor-receptors (PDGFR), the fibroblast growth factor-receptors (FGFR), the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-1R), the Trk receptor tyrosine kinase family, the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase family, the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase, the Kit/SCFR receptor tyrosine kinase, members of the c-Abl family and their gene-fusion products (e.g. BCR-Abl), members of the protein kinase C (PKC) and Raf family of serine/threonine kinases, members of the MEK, SRC, JAK, FAK, PDK or PI (3) kinase family, or of the PI (3)-kinase-related kinase family, and/or members of the cyclin-dependent kinase family (CDK) and anti-angiogenic compounds having another mechanism for their activity, e.g. unrelated to protein or lipid kinase inhibition.

Compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of VEGFR are especially compounds, proteins or antibodies which inhibit the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase, inhibit a VEGF receptor or bind to VEGF, and are in particular those compounds, proteins or monoclonal antibodies generically and specifically disclosed in WO 98/35958, e.g. 1-(4-chloroanilino)-4-(4-pyridylmethyl)phthalazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g. the succinate, or in WO 00/09495, WO 00/27820, WO 00/59509, WO 98/11223, WO 00/27819 and EP 0 769 947; those as described by M. Prewett et al in Cancer Research 59 (1999) 5209-5218, by F. Yuan et al in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, vol. 93, pp. 14765-14770, December 1996, by Z. Zhu et al in Cancer Res. 58, 1998, 3209-3214, and by J. Mordenti et al in Toxicologic Pathology, Vol. 27, no. 1, pp 14-21, 1999; in WO 00/37502 and WO 94/10202; Angiostatin™, described by M. S. O'Reilly et al, Cell 79, 1994, 315-328; Endostatin™, described by M. S. O'Reilly et al, Cell 88, 1997, 277-285; anthranilic acid amides; ZD4190; ZD6474; SU5416; SU6668; or anti-VEGF antibodies or anti-VEGF receptor antibodies,e.g. RhuMab.

By antibody is meant intact monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies formed from at least 2 intact antibodies, and antibodies fragments so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity.

Compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor family are especially compounds, proteins or antibodies which inhibit members of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase family, e.g. EGF receptor, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 or bind to EGF or EGF related ligands, and are in particular those compounds, proteins or monoclonal antibodies generically and specifically disclosed in WO 97/02266, e.g. the compound of ex. 39, or in EP 0 564 409, WO 99/03854, EP 0520722, EP 0 566 226, EP 0 787 722, EP 0 837 063, U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,498, WO 98/10767, WO 97/30034, WO 97/49688, WO 97/38983 and, especially, WO 96/30347 (e.g. compound known as CP 358774), WO 96/33980 (e.g. compound ZD 1839) and WO 95/03283 (e.g. compound ZM105180); trastuzumab (Herceotin^(R)) cetuximab, Iressa, OSI-774, CI-1033, EKB-569, GW-2016, E1.1, E2.4, E2.5, E6.2, E6.4, E2.11, E6.3 or E7.6.3.

Compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of PDGFR are especially compounds which inhibit the PDGF receptor, e.g. a N-phenyl-2-pyrimidine-amine derivative, e.g. imatinib.

Compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of c-Abl family members and their gene fusion products, e.g. a N-phenyl-2-pyrimidine-amine derivative, e.g. imatinib; PD180970; AG957; or NSC 680410.

Compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of protein kinase C, Raf, MEK, SRC, JAK, FAK and PDK family members, or PI (3) kinase or PI (3) kinase-related family members, and/or members of the cyclin-dependent kinase family (CDK) are especially those staurosporine derivatives disclosed in EP 0 296 110, e.g. midostaurin; examples of further compounds include e.g. UCN-01, safingol, BAY 43-9006, Bryostatin 1, Perifosine; Ilmofosine; RO 318220 and RO 320432; GO 6976; Isis 3521; or LY333531/LY379196.

Further anti-angiogenic compounds are e.g. thalidomide (THALOMID) and TNP-470.

Compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of a protein or lipid phosphatase are e.g. inhibitors of phosphatase 1, phosphatase 2A, PTEN or CDC25, e.g. okadaic acid or a derivative thereof.

Compounds which induce cell differentiation processes are e.g. retinoic acid, α-, γ- or δ-tocopherol or α-, γ- or δ-tocotrienol.

The term cyclooxygenase inhibitor as used herein includes, but is not limited to, e.g. celecoxib (Celebrex^(R)), rofecoxib (Vioxx^(R)), etoricoxib, valdecoxib or a 5-alkyl-2-arylaminophenylacetic acid, e.g. 5-methyl-2-(2′-chloro-6′-fluoroanilino)phenyl acetic acid.

The term “histone deacetylase inhibitor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to MS-27-275, SAHA, pyroxamide, FR-901228 or valproic acid.

The term “bisphosphonates” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, etridonic, clodronic, tiludronic, pamidronic, alendronic, ibandronic, risedronic and zoledronic acid. “Etridonic acid” can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark DIDRONEL™. “Clodronic acid” can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark BONEFOS™. “Tiludronic acid” can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark SKELID™. “Pamidronic acid” can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark AREDIA™. “Alendronic acid” can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark FOSAMAX™. “Ibandronic acid” can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark BONDRANAT™. “Risedronic acid” can be administered, e.g., in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ACTONEL™. “Zoledronic acid” can be administered, e.g. in the form as it is marketed, e.g. under the trademark ZOMETA™

The term “matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor” as used herein includes, but is not limited to collagen peptidomimetic and nonpetidomimetic inhibitors, tetracycline derivatives, e.g. hydroxamate peptidomimetic inhibitor batimastat and its orally bioavailable analogue marimastat, prinomastat, BMS-279251, BAY 12-9566, TAA211 or AAJ996.

In each case where citations of patent applications or scientific publications are given, the subject-matter relating to the compounds is hereby incorporated into the present application by reference. Comprised are likewise the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, the corresponding racemates, diastereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers as well as the corresponding crystal modifications of above disclosed compounds where present, e.g. solvates, hydrates and polymorphs, which are disclosed therein. The compounds used as active ingredients in the combinations of the invention can be prepared and administered as described in the cited documents, respectively. Also within the scope of this invention is the combination of more than two separate active ingredients as set forth above, i.e. a pharmaceutical combination within the scope of this invention could include three active ingredients or more. Further both the first agent and the co-agent are not the identical ingredient.

Utility of the compounds of formula I in treating solid tumors as hereinabove specified, may be demonstrated in animal test methods as well as in clinic, for example in accordance with the methods hereinafter described.

A. In Vitro

A.1 Antiproliferative Activity in Combination with Other Agents

-   -   A cell line, e.g. the compound A resistant A549 line (IC₅₀ in         low nM range) versus the comparative Compound A resistant KB-31         and HCT116 lines (IC₅₀ in the μM range), is added to 96-well         plates (1,500 cells/well in 100 μl medium) and incubated for 24         hr. Subsequently, a two-fold dilution series of each compound         (Compound of formula I or a known chemotherapeutic agent) is         made in separate tubes (starting at 8× the IC₅₀ of each         compound) either alone or in paired combinations, and the         dilutions are added to the wells. The cells are then         re-incubated for 3 days. Methylene blue staining is performed on         day 4 and the amount of bound dye (proportional to the number of         surviving cells that bind the dye) determined. IC₅₀s are         subsequently determined using the Calcusyn program, which         provides a measure of the interaction, namely the so-called         non-exclusive combination index (CI), where: CI˜1=the         interaction is nearly additive; 0.85−0.9=slight synergism;         <0.85=synergy. In this assay, the compounds of formula I show         interesting antiproliferative activity in combination with         another chemotherapeutic agent. For example the following CI         values are obtained with a combination of Compound A and         cisplatinum, paclitaxel, gemcitabine and doxorubicin, showing         synergistic effects.

CI Cell line Cisplatinum Paclitaxel Gemcitabine Doxorubicin KB-31 0.74 0.9 0.79 0.7 A549 0.47 0.74 0.76 0.64 HCT116 0.47 0.3 0.9 0.52

Furthermore, in this assay, Compound A potentiates the loss of A549 cell viability and cell death when it is used in combination with gemcitabine.

A.2 Antiangiogenic Activity

-   -   In vitro assay of the antiproliferative activity of rapamycin or         a derivative thereof, e.g. Compound A, against human umbilical         vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) demonstrates IC₅₀ values of         120±22 pM and 841±396, and >10 000 pM for VEGF- and bFGF- and         FBS-stimulated proliferation, respectively. Additionally, no         significant effects of Compound A on bFGF-stimulated normal         human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) proliferation are observed over         the same concentration range. These results indicate that         Compound A inhibits the proliferation of HUVECs, being         particularly potent against the VEGF-induced proliferation, VEGF         being a key pro-angiogenic factor.         B. In Vivo

In the following assays, antitumor activity is expressed as TIC % (mean increase in tumor volumes of treated animals divided by the mean increase of tumor volumes of control animals multiplied by 100) and % regressions (tumor volume minus initial tumor volume divided by the initial tumor volume and multiplied by 100).

B.1 Activity in A549 Human Lung Tumor Xenografts

-   -   Fragments of A549 tumors (approx. 25 mg; derived from Cell line         CCL 185, ATCC, Rockville Md., USA) are transplanted         subcutaneously into the left flank of BALB/c nude mice.         Treatment is started on day 7 or day 12 following tumor         transplantation. The compound to be tested is administered p.o.         once per day from day 7/12 to day 38/55, respectively. In this         assay, when administered at a daily dose ranging from 0.1 mg/kg         to 2.5 mg/kg, the compounds of formula I exhibit dose-dependent         inhibition of tumor growth; for example in one representative         experiment Compound A when administered at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg         results in persisting regressions (41%); a dose of 0.5 mg/kg         results in transient regressions (38% on day 17), with a final         T/C of 16%, and a dose of 0.1 mg/kg slows tumor growth resulting         in a final TIC of 43% (T/C for control animals is 100%).         B.2 Activity in KB-31 Human Epidermoid Tumor Xenografts     -   Fragments of KB-31 tumors (approx. 25 mg; derived from the cell         lines obtained from Roswell Park Memorial Institute Buffalo,         N.Y., USA) are transplanted subcutaneously into the left flank         of BALB/c nude mice. Treatment is started on day 7 or on day 10         following tumor transplantation. The compound to be tested is         administered p.o. once per day from day 7/10 to day 25/35,         respectively. Antitumor activity is expressed as T/C % as         indicated above. In this assay, when administered at a daily         dose ranging from 0.5 mg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg, the compounds of         formula I inhibit tumor growth; for example in one         representative experiment Compound A when administered at a dose         of 2.5 mg/kg/day results in a final T/C cvalue of 25% (TIC for         control animals is 100%).         B.3 Activity in CA20948 Rat Pancreatic Tumors     -   Tumors are established in male Lewis rats by subcutaneous         injection of CA20948 tumor cell suspension derived from donor         rats into the left flank. Treatment is started on day 4 post         inoculation. The compound to be tested is administered p.o. once         per day (6 days a week) from day 4 to day 9-15 post inoculation.         Antitumor activity is expressed as TIC % as indicated above. In         this assay, when administered at a daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg to         2.5 mg/kg, the compounds of formula I inhibit tumor growth; for         example in a representative experiment Compound A when         administered p.o. at a daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg results in a         final T/C value of 23%. In the same experiment, intermittent         administration of Compound A, 5 mg/kg twice per week, results in         a final TIC value of 32%. Compound A significantly and         consistently decreases in these assays the rate of CA20948         pancreatic tumor growth when compared to vehicle controls (T/C         for control animals is defined as 100%).

Compounds of formula I, e.g. Compound A, have been tested in further tumor models in accordance with the procedure as disclosed above. For example, a daily dosage of 2.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg Compound A produces final T/Cs of 18% and 9% when administered to the human NCI H-596 lung tumor model and the human MEXF 989 melanoma tumor model, respectively; 5 mg/kg produces final T/Cs of 20% (primary tumor) and 36% (cervical lymph node metastases) when administered to the orthotopic mouse B16/BL6 melanoma tumor model and 24% when administered to the human AR42J pancreatic tumor model; 2.5 mg/kg produces a final T/C of 28% when administered to the multi-drug resistant (MDR) human KB-8511 epidermoid tumor model. Good antitumor responses are also obtained when compounds of formula I, e.g. Compound A, are administered intermittently, e.g. 2 subsequent days per week or twice a week, to mice transplanted with human AR42J pancreatic tumors.

B.4 Combination with Doxorubicin

-   -   Mice transplanted with human KB-31 epidermoid tumors are treated         for 21 days with doxorubicin at a dose of 5 mg/kg i.v. once per         week, a compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, at a dose of 2.5         mg/kg p.o once per day, or a combination of both. Thereafter         compound of formula I treatment alone is continued in the         combination group in order to determine if the compound of         formula I can suppress the outgrowth of tumors that respond to         conventional agents. Antitumor activity is expressed as T/C % or         % regressions as indicated above. For example, the combination         of Compound A and doxorubicin produces greater antitumor effect         (74% regressions) as compared to either agent alone (Compound A,         T/C 32%; doxorubicin 44% regressions). No exacerbation of the         body weight losses caused by doxorubicin occurs when Compound A         treatment is added. Continuing Compound A treatment in the         combination group, after ceasing doxorubicin, inhibits tumor         outgrowth such that the tumor volumes of the doxorubicin         monotherapy group are significantly larger than those of the         combination group. Moreover the combination appears to produce a         greater cure rate (818 tumors) at 14 days post end of treatment         than doxorubicin alone (3/8 tumors).         B.5 Combination with Cisplatinum     -   Mice transplanted with human NCI H-596 lung tumors are treated         for 21 days with cisplatinum at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg i.v. once         per week, a compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, at a dose of         2.5 mg/kg p.o. once per day, or a combination of both. Antitumor         activity is expressed as TIC % or % regressions as indicated         above. A combination of Compound A and cisplatinum produces a         greater antitumor effect (5% regressions) as compared to either         agent alone (Compound A, TIC 26%; cisplatinum, TIC 26%). The         combination did not lead to worsened tolerability.         B.6 Antiangiogenic Activity     -   B16/BL6 cells (5×10⁴) are injected intradermally into the ear of         C57BL/6 mice. Seven days later treatment with rapamycin or a         derivative thereof e.g. Compound A, or vehicle is initiated.         Primary tumor and cervical lymph nodes are collected after two         weeks of daily treatment for measurement of vessel density.         Endothelium of perfused vessels in the tumors is visualized         using a nuclear staining dye (Hoechst 33342, 20 mg/kg) that is         injected i.v. shortly before killing the mice. Tumors and         metastases are snap frozen and sections examined under a light         microscope equipped with an epifluorescent source. The         fluorescence H33342-labelled endothelium cells is used to         measure vessel number and size over the whole tumor section.         Vessels are assigned to groups of 10 μm-size range. Distribution         of vessel size is assessed using a histogram frequency analysis.         At a dose of 5 mg/kg p.o., rapamycin or a derivative thereof         reduces vessel density in both the primary tumor (e.g. T/C 50%         for Compound A) and the metastases (e.g. T/C 40% for Compound A)         as compared to controls. Rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g.         Compound A, also changes vessel size distribution in the         metastases.         B.7 Combination with an Antiangiogenic Agent     -   B16/BL6 cells (5×10⁴) are injected intradermally into the ear of         C57BL/6 mice. Seven days later treatment with rapamycin or a         derivative thereof, e.g. Compound A, a VEGF receptor tyrosine         kinase inhibitor, e.g.         1-(4-chloroanilino)-4-(4-pyridylmethyl)phthalazine or a salt         thereof, e.g. the succinate, or a combination of both is         initiated and effects on the growth and weight of the primary         tumor and cervical lymph node metastases are monitored,         respectively. Daily administration of the antiangiogenic agent         (100 mg/kg p.o.) or of rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g.         Compound A, (1 mg/kg p.o.) alone, reduces the size of the         primary tumor (final T/C: 65% and 74%, respectively), whereas         the combination of these two agents is synergistic (T/C 12%).         Rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. Compound A and the         antiangiogenic agent treatment alone reduces cervical lymph node         weights (related to regional metastases) (T/C: 75% and 34%,         respectively), and the combination further reduces lymph node         weights (TIC 13%). The treatments significantly promote body         weight gains as compared to controls. For the primary tumors,         analysis of possible interaction shows synergy with Compound A         and antiangiogenic agent as antiangiogenic agent/controls=0.66;         Compound A/controls=0.77; Compound A and antiangiogenic         agent/controls=0.135. As Compound A and antiangiogenic         agent/controls<Compound A/controls×antiangiogenic agent/controls         (0.51), this is defined as synergy. For the metastases, analysis         also shows synergy with Compound A and the antiangiogenic agent         as antiangiogenic agent/controls=0.337; Compound         A/controls=0.75; Compound A and antiangiogenic         agent/controls=0.122. As Compound A and antiangiogenic         agent/controls<Compound A/controls×antiangiogenic agent/controls         (0.252), this is also defined as synergy (Clark, Breast Cancer         Research Treatment 1997; 46:255).         C. Clinical Trial         C.1 Investigation of Clinical Benefit of a Compound of Formula         I, e.g. Compound a as Monotherapy in Solid Tumours

-   Aim of the study: To identify the optimal dose of said compound,     given orally once weekly, in a dose escalating study and the     efficacy of the optimal dosage in solid tumours.

The study is divided into 2 parts:

Part 1:

-   Primary Aim: Identify the optimal dose of a compound of formula I,     e.g. Compound A, given p.o. once weekly, assuming this should be the     minimum dose associated with prolonged inhibition of mTOR and blood     levels of said compound at least equivalent to those achieving an     anti-tumor effect in in-vivo preclinical levels. -   Secondary Aim: Assess safety of said compound when given alone to     cancer patients and assess changes in tumor metabolic activity. -   Design: Successive groups of 4 patients with advanced malignant     solid tumors, refractory or resistant to standard therapies to     receive a compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, every 7 days     different doses (group 1 to receive 5 mg; group 2 to receive 10 mg,     group 3 to receive 20 mg) for 4 weeks. In week 4, establish the     pharmacokinetic profile and the profile of mTOR inhibition as     reflected by the inhibition of p70s6 kinase in peripheral     lymphocytes. Carry out comparative 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)     positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging (before 1^(st) dose,     after 3^(rd) dose) to explore the change in tumor metabolism. -   Patients main selection criteria: Adults with advanced-stage (III-V)     solid tumors, resistant or refractory to standard therapies. At     least one tumoral lesion should be measurable (>20 mm in one     dimension). -   Main variables for evaluation: Safety (adverse events), standard     serum biochemistry and haematology, blood levels of the compound to     be tested, lymphocyte p70-s6kinase activity, changes in tumor     glucose uptake by FDG-PET.     Part 2: -   Primary Aim: Explore the efficacy of a compound of formula I, e.g.     Compound A, in patients with advanced solid tumors when given once a     week at the optimal dosage, as identified in Part 1 as shown by     tumor response. -   Secondary Aim: Assess the safety of said compound at this dosage. -   Design: 20 patients with progressing, advanced-stage solid tumors,     resistant or refractory to standard therapies, to receive said     compound at the dosage recommended as a result of Part 1. The     general clinical state of the patient is investigated weekly by     physical and laboratory examination. Changes in tumor burden are     assessed every 2 months by radiological examination. Initially     patients receive treatment for 2 months. Thereafter, they remain on     treatment for as long as their disease does not progress and the     drug is satisfactorily tolerated. -   Main variables for evaluation: Safety (adverse events), standard     serum biochemistry and haematology, tumor dimensions by computerised     tomographic (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).     C.2 Combined Treatment

Suitable clinical studies are, for example, open label non-randomized, dose escalation studies in patients with advanced solid tumors. Such studies prove in particular the synergism of the active ingredients of the combination of the invention. The beneficial effects on proliferative diseases can be determined directly through the results of these studies or by changes in the study design which are known as such to a person skilled in the art. Such studies are, in particular, suitable to compare the effects of a monotherapy using the active ingredients and a combination of the invention. Preferably, the dose of agent (a) is escalated until the Maximum Tolerated Dosage is reached, and the co-agent (b) is administered with a fixed dose. Alternatively, the agent (a) is administered in a fixed dose and the dose of co-agent (b) is escalated. Each patient receives doses of the agent (a) either daily or intermittent. The efficacy of the treatment can be determined in such studies, e.g., after 12, 18 or 24 weeks by radiologic evaluation of the tumors every 6 weeks.

Alternatively, a placebo-controlled, double blind study can be used in order to prove the benefits of the combination of the invention mentioned herein.

Daily dosages required in practicing the method of the present invention when a compound of formula I alone is used will vary depending upon, for example, the compound used, the host, the mode of administration and the severity of the condition to be treated. A preferred daily dosage range is about from 0.1 to 25 mg as a single dose or in divided doses. Suitable daily dosages for patients are on the order of from e.g. 0.1 to 25 mg p.o. Compound A may be administered by any conventional route, in particular enterally, e.g. orally, e.g. in the form of tablets, capsules, drink solutions, nasally, pulmonary (by inhalation) or parenterally, e.g. in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions. Suitable unit dosage forms for oral administration comprise from ca. 0.05 to 12.5 mg, usually 0.25 to 10 mg Compound A, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers therefor.

The combination of the invention can also be applied in combination with surgical intervention, mild prolonged whole body hyperthermia and/or irradiation therapy.

The administration of a pharmaceutical combination of the invention results not only in a beneficial effect, e.g. a synergistic therapeutic effect, e.g. with regard to slowing down, arresting or reversing the neoplasm formation or a longer duration of tumor response, but also in further surprising beneficial effects, e.g. less side-effects, an improved quality of life or a decreased mortality and morbidity, compared to a monotherapy applying only one of the pharmaceutically active ingredients used in the combination of the invention, in particular in the treatment of a tumor that is refractory to other chemotherapeutics known as anti-cancer agents. In particular, an increased up-take of the co-agent (b) in tumor tissue and tumor cells is observed, when applied in combination with the first agent (a).

A further benefit is that lower doses of the active ingredients of the combination of the invention can be used, for example, that the dosages need not only often be smaller but are also applied less frequently, or can be used in order to diminish the incidence of side-effects, while controlling the growth of neoplasm formation. This is in accordance with the desires and requirements of the patients to be treated.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a preferred pharmaceutical combination comprises

a) a compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, and

b) as co-agent, one or more compounds as indicated in paragraphs (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, e.g. carboplatin, cisplatinum, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine or doxorubicin.

A synergistic combination of a compound of formula I, e.g. Compound A, with carboplatin, cisplatinum, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine or doxorubicin is particularly preferred.

A further preferred pharmaceutical combination is e.g. a combination comprising

a) rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI-779, ABT578 or Compound A, and

b) as co-agent, one or more compounds as indicated under paragraphs (i) and (v) to (x) above, preferably one or more compounds as specified in paragraph (v) above.

Preferred is e.g. a synergistic combination of rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. CCI-779, ABT578 or Compound A, with a compound which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of VEGFR, EGFR family, PDGFR, c-ABI family members or protein kinase C, e.g. as disclosed above.

One specific embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a combination of the invention for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of or for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of breast cancer. Preferably, in such embodiment the combination comprises as co-agent b) an aromatase inhibitor, e.g. the aromatase inhibitor letrozole, an anti-estrogen, e.g. tamoxifen, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, e.g. doxorubicin, or a microtubule active agent, e.g. paclitaxel.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a combination of the invention for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of or for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of lung cancer. Preferably, in such embodiment the combination of the invention comprises as co-agent b) a platin compound, e.g. carboplatin, or a microtubule active agent, e.g. paclitaxel.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a combination of the invention for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of or for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of pancreatic cancer. Preferably, in such embodiment the combination of the invention comprises as co-agent b) an antineoplastic antimetabolite, e.g. gemcitabine.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to the use of a combination of the invention for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of or for the preparation of a medicament for the prevention, delay of progression or treatment of glioblastomas. Preferably, in such embodiment the combination of the invention comprises as co-agent b) an alkylating agent, e.g. BCNU.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of rapamycin or a derivative thereof in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of a lymphatic cancer, e.g. as disclosed above. The combination may additionally comprise as co-agent b) busulfan, cytarabine, 6-thioguanine, fludarabine, hydroxyurea, procarbazine, bleomycin or methotrexate. Topoisomerase II inhibitors e.g. daunorubicin or, particularly, compounds which target, decrease or inhibit the activity of PDGFR or of c-Abl family members and their gene fusion products, e.g. imatinib are preferred as co-agent (b).

The terms “co-administration” or “combined administration” or the like as utilized herein are meant to encompass administration of the selected therapeutic agents to a single patient, and are intended to include treatment regimens in which the agents are not necessarily administered by the same route of administration or at the same time.

It is one objective of this invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition comprising a quantity, which is jointly therapeutically effective against a proliferative malignant disease comprising a combination of the invention. In this composition, the first agent a) and co-agent (b) can be administered together, one after the other or separately in one combined unit dosage form or in two separate unit dosage forms. The unit dosage form may also be a fixed combination.

The pharmaceutical compositions for separate administration of the first agent a) and co-agent b) and for the administration in a fixed combination, i.e. a single galenical composition comprising at least two combination partners a) and b), according to the invention can be prepared in a manner known per se and are those suitable for enteral, such as oral or rectal, and parenteral administration to mammals (warm-blooded animals), including humans, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one pharmacologically active combination partner alone, e.g. as indicated above, or in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents, especially suitable for enteral or parenteral application.

Suitable pharmaceutical compositions contain, for example, from about 0.1% to about 99.9%, preferably from about 1% to about 60%, of the active ingredient(s). Pharmaceutical preparations for the combination therapy for enteral or parenteral administration are, for example, those in unit dosage forms, such as sugar-coated tablets, tablets, capsules or suppositories, or ampoules. If not indicated otherwise, these are prepared in a manner known per se, for example by means of conventional mixing, granulating, sugar-coating, dissolving or lyophilizing processes. It will be appreciated that the unit content of a combination partner contained in an individual dose of each dosage form need not in itself constitute an effective amount since the necessary effective amount can be reached by administration of a plurality of dosage units.

In particular, a therapeutically effective amount of each of the combination partner of the combination of the invention may be administered simultaneously or sequentially and in any order, and the components may be administered separately or as a fixed combination. For example, the method of delay of progression or treatment of a proliferative malignant disease according to the invention may comprise (i) administration of the first agent a) in free or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form and (ii) administration of a co-agent b) in free or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form, simultaneously or sequentially in any order, in jointly therapeutically effective amounts, preferably in synergistically effective amounts, e.g. in daily or intermittently dosages corresponding to the amounts described herein. The individual combination partners of the combination of the invention may be administered separately at different times during the course of therapy or concurrently in divided or single combination forms. Furthermore, the term administering also encompasses the use of a pro-drug of a combination partner that convert in vivo to the combination partner as such. The instant invention is therefore to be understood as embracing all such regimens of simultaneous or alternating treatment and the term “administering” is to be interpreted accordingly.

The effective dosage of each of the combination partners employed in the combination of the invention may vary depending on the particular compound or pharmaceutical composition employed, the mode of administration, the condition being treated, the severity of the condition being treated. Thus, the dosage regimen of the combination of the invention is selected in accordance with a variety of factors including the route of administration and the renal and hepatic function of the patient. A physician, clinician or veterinarian of ordinary skill can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the single active ingredients required to prevent, counter or arrest the progress of the condition. Optimal precision in achieving concentration of the active ingredients within the range that yields efficacy without toxicity requires a regimen based on the kinetics of the active ingredients' availability to target sites.

Daily dosages for the first agent a) will, of course, vary depending on a variety of factors, for example the compound chosen, the particular condition to be treated and the desired effect. In general, however, satisfactory results are achieved on administration of rapamycin or a derivative thereof at daily dosage rates of the order of ca. 0.1 to 25 mg as a single dose or in divided doses. Rapamycin or a derivative thereof, e.g. a compound of formula I, may be administered by any conventional route, in particular enterally, e.g. orally, e.g. in the form of tablets, capsules, drink solutions or parenterally, e.g. in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions. Suitable unit dosage forms for oral administration comprise from ca. 0.05 to 10 mg active ingredient, e.g. Compound A, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or carriers therefor.

Fadrozole may be administered orally to a human in a dosage range varying from about 0.5 to about 10 mg/day, preferably from about 1 to about 2.5 mg/day. Exemestane may be administered orally to a human in a dosage range varying from about 5 to about 200 mg/day, preferably from about 10 to about 25 mg/day, or parenterally from about 50 to 500 mg/day, preferably from about 100 to about 250 mg/day. If the drug shall be administered in a separate pharmaceutical composition, it can be administered in the form disclosed in GB 2,177,700. Formestane may be administered parenterally to a human in a dosage range varying from about 100 to 500 mg/day, preferably from about 250 to about 300 mg/day. Anastrozole may be administered orally to a human in a dosage range varying from about 0.25 to 20 mg/day, preferably from about 0.5 to about 2.5 mg/day. Aminogluthemide may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 200 to 500 mg/day.

Tamoxifen citrate may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 10 to 40 mg/day.

Vinblastine may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 1.5 to 10 mg/m² day. Vincristine sulfate may be administered parenterally to a human in a dosage range varying from about 0.025 to 0.05 mg/kg body weight*week. Vinorelbine may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 10 to 50 mg/m² day. Etoposide phosphate may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 25 to 115 mg/m² day, e.g. 56.8 or 113.6 mg/m² day.

Teniposide may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 75 to 150 mg about every two weeks. Doxorubicin may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 10 to 100 mg/m² day, e.g. 25 or 50 mg/m² day. Epirubicin may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 10 to 200 mg/m² day. Idarubicin may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 0.5 to 50 mg/m² day. Mitoxantrone may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 2.5 to 25 mg/m² day.

Paclitaxel may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 50 to 300 mg/m² day. Docetaxel may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 25 to 100 mg/m² day.

Cyclophosphamide may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 50 to 1500 mg/m² day. Melphalan may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 0.5 to 10 mg/m² day.

5-Fluorouracil may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 50 to 1000 mg/m² day, e.g. 500 mg/m² day. Capecitabine may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 10 to 1000 mg/m² day. Gemcitabine hydrochloride may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 1000 mg/m²/week. Methotrexate may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 5 to 500 mg/m² day.

Topotecan may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 1 to 5 mg/m² day. Irinotecan may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 50 to 350 mg/m² day.

Carboplatin may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 200 to 400 mg/m² about every four weeks. Cisplatin may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 25 to 75 mg/m² about every three weeks. Oxaliplatin may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 50 to 85 mg/m² every two weeks.

Imatinib may be administered to a human in a dosage in the range of about 2.5 to 850 mg/day, more preferably 5 to 600 mg/day and most preferably 20 to 300 mg/day.

Alendronic acid may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 5 to 10 mg/day. Clodronic acid may be administered to a human e.g. in a dosage range varying from about 750 to 1500 mg/day. Etridonic acid may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 200 to 400 mg/day. Ibandronic acid may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 1 to 4 mg every three to four weeks. Risedronic acid may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 20 to 30 mg/day. Pamidronic acid may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 15 to 90 mg every three to four weeks. Tiludronic acid may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 200 to 400 mg/day.

Trastuzumab may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 1 to 4 mg/m²/week.

Bicalutamide may be administered to a human in a dosage range varying from about 25 to 50 mg/m² day.

1-(4-chloroanilino)-4-(4-pyridylmethyl)phthalazine or salt thereof, e.g. succinate, may be administered to a human in a dosage range of about 50 to 1500, more preferably about 100 to 750, and most preferably 250 to 500, mg/day.

Rapamycin or derivatives thereof are well tolerated at dosages required for use in accordance with the present invention. For example, the NTEL for Compound A in a 4-week toxicity study is 0.5 mg/kg/day in rats and 1.5 mg/kg/day in monkeys. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for inhibiting growth of solid tumors of the breast in a subject having a solid breast tumor, said method consisting of: administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of 40-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-rapamycin, which has the structure of a compound of formula I

wherein R₁ is CH₃, R₂ is —CH₂—CH₂—OH, and X is ═O, wherein said compound of formula I is adminstered concomitantly or sequentially with letrozole.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the solid tumor of the breast has metastasized.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula I is administered orally.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula I is administered at a daily dose range of from about 0.1 to 25 mg, as a single dose or in divided doses.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of from about 0.05 to 12.5 mg.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of from about 0.25 to 10 mg.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of 10 mg.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the letrozole is administered in a dosage range from about 0.5 to about 10 mg/day.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the letrozole is administered in a dosage range from about 1 to about 2.5 mg/day.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of 10 mg and the letrozole is administered in a dose of 2.5 mg.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the tumor is a hormone receptor positive tumor.
 12. A method for treating solid tumors of the breast in a subject having a solid breast tumor, said method consisting of: administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of 40-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-rapamycin, which has the structure of a compound of formula I

wherein R₁ is CH₃, R₂ is —CH₂—CH₂—OH, and X is ═O, wherein said compound of formula I is adminstered concomitantly or sequentially with letrozole.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the solid tumor of the breast has metastasized.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the compound of formula I is administered orally.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein the compound of formula I is administered at a daily dose range of from about 0.1 to 25 mg, as a single dose or in divided doses.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of from about 0.05 to 12.5 mg.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of from about 0.25 to 10 mg.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of 10 mg.
 19. The method of claim 12 wherein the letrozole is administered in a dosage range from about 0.5 to about 10 mg/day.
 20. The method of claim 12 wherein the letrozole is administered in a dosage range from about 1 to about 2.5 mg/day.
 21. The method of claim 12 wherein the compound of formula I is administered in a unit dosage form of 10 mg and the letrozole is administered in a dose of 2.5 mg.
 22. The method of claim 12 wherein the tumor is a hormone receptor positive tumor. 